Española Island, 7/10/2023, National Geographic Islander II
Aboard the
National Geographic Islander II
Galápagos
At the southeast corner of Galapagos lies Espanola Island. Dating back to 3.5 to 5 million years, it contains a high degree of endemism and has many animal species that only live here. The north has one of the most beautiful beaches in the world with turquoise color water and powdery white sand, where sea lion colonies hang out. By far one of the fantastic opportunities to see wildlife at the purest state.
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Our expedition to Punta Pitt on San Cristobal Island was an unforgettable journey. At dawn, we walked along a path surrounded by volcanic formations, revealing stunning landscapes at every turn. The striking contrast between the dark rocks and the lush vegetation immersed us in the raw beauty of nature. Throughout the hike, we had the privilege of observing blue-footed and red-footed boobies, finches, and mockingbirds up close. The presence of these majestic and unbothered birds fostered a deep connection with the environment. The beauty of the scenery, the refreshing air, and the harmony with the flora and fauna made this experience truly transformative, leaving a lasting impression on us. During the afternoon, we visited one of the most beautiful beaches in Galapagos, Cerro Brujo, where we enjoyed a relaxing stretching session accompanied by the sound of the waves. The beauty of the landscape made this expedition an unforgettable experience.
Our day at Española Island began with a kayak session at sunrise in Gardner Bay. It’s home to one of the most beautiful white sand beaches in the Galápagos, surrounded by turquoise waters. After that, we went snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters. Later, we spent some time on the beach where we were warmly greeted by a colony of Galápagos sea lions. After a refreshing lunch on board, we headed to Punta Suárez, a site renowned for its dramatic cliffs and thriving seabird colonies. As our hike came to an end, we were treated to a breathtaking sunset—a perfect conclusion to an unforgettable day.
Floreana is beautiful and in the morning, we visited Post Office Bay. We continued the tradition established more than 200 years ago by whalers, hand delivering letters left behind and leaving correspondence to be delivered by others depending on their destination post voyage. Snorkeling at Champion Islet was extraordinary! The amount of underwater life was enormous and colorful. Rays, sharks, sea lions, and fish gave us a great show. In the afternoon, Punta Cormorant was a fabulous site, with flamingos, sea turtles, and a landscape to die for. Photos by Paul Vergara and Fernando Ortiz
